In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast Summer Series, we explore five effective ways to build strong rapport with your students. First, we discuss the importance of observing what they engage with in the classroom to better understand their interests. We also talk about getting to know their family members and home life, which helps create deeper connections. When it comes to play or free time, following their lead shows you’re invested in their world. We’ll also cover how, when they’re up...
Jun 23, 2025•8 min•Ep. 326
In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast Summer Series, we dive into four common classroom pet peeves and how to avoid them for a smoother, more effective learning environment. We’ll talk about the issue of undoing work in front of the student and why it can be counterproductive. We also explore how using age-appropriate work, toys, and materials is key to engagement and dignity. Then, we’ll address the importance of fully integrating paraprofessionals into the classroom team to enhance coll...
Jun 16, 2025•10 min•Season 1Ep. 325
In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast Summer Series, we tackle two effective strategies for transitioning away from preferred items. First, we discuss the importance of giving a clear warning or countdown to help your child prepare for the change. Then, we dive into the approach of transitioning from highly preferred items to those that are moderately preferred, making the shift feel more manageable. These strategies help ease the transition and support your child in adjusting to new rout...
Jun 09, 2025•7 min•Season 324Ep. 1
In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, the first episode of our Summer Series, we share four key tasks to do now to prep for back-to-school success. We’ll cover cleaning out and prepping independent work tasks, creating new morning binders, upgrading your schedule system, and prepping new curriculum or daily work. These simple steps will help set your classroom up for a smooth and successful school year! ---------------------------------------------- Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum...
Jun 02, 2025•8 min•Season 1Ep. 323
The Executive Functions Masterclass course has been taken by hundreds of teachers, clinicians, and parents with consistently great reviews. This course will prepare you to support struggling learners by building executive functioning skills. You will learn how to assess skills, create a thorough plan, and develop proactive supports. In this episode, we review how this course will improve your classroom. From decreasing negative behaviors to increasing independence, you will walk away with tools ...
May 26, 2025•20 min•Season 1Ep. 322
Janna and Morgan share actionable tips and strategies for moving beyond requesting with your learners that use AAC. Janna Bedoyan is an early childhood special education teacher and AAC specialist. Morgan van Diepens is a BCBA. We discuss the biggest challenges of incorporating AAC into the home or classroom, why kids often get “stuck” at requesting, and what are some functional strategies to encourage communication. They also share background on core language and its value as well as how tips f...
May 19, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 321
Schedules with moveable pieces are great to provide substantial support and visual prompting for how to navigate the classroom. Once students are successful with this type of schedule, move towards a paper schedule. These schedules provide more options for generalization. You can more readily incorporate these schedules into new settings leading to more independence. Resources: https://theautismhelper.com/picking-the-right-schedule-type-for-each-student/ Schedule resources: https://shop.theautis...
May 12, 2025•11 min•Season 1Ep. 320
In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, Tiffany Burns and Erika Bare discuss strategies for creating truly inclusive school environments for all learners. They cover key topics like the biggest obstacles to successful inclusion, practical ways to make classrooms more welcoming, the importance of collaboration among staff, and the vital role of teacher-student relationships in fostering inclusion. Tiffany and Erika also share tips for managing challenging behaviors within a range of setting...
Apr 28, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 319
Join Special Education Teacher, Kelsey Kistner, who offers practical strategies for supporting students during academic instruction. Kelsey discusses her top teaching methods, the importance of student choice, how to boost motivation, and how she manages problem behaviors during group lessons. She also dives into Classroom Pivotal Response Teaching (PRT) and how she incorporates it into her classroom. Tune in for valuable insights from an experienced educator. Kelsey has been teaching special ed...
Apr 21, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 318
In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, Leanne Greenberg joins us to discuss creating inclusive environments for students with autism. She shares her insights on overcoming barriers to inclusion, dispelling common misconceptions about autism, and highlighting successful strategies used in schools. Leanne also discusses the importance of social inclusion, helping students build meaningful relationships, and accommodating sensory needs in general education classrooms. Additionally, she offer...
Apr 14, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 317
In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, Jenn Adams joins us to discuss strategies for building effective communication within the IEP Team. Jenn Adams is a seasoned special education and general education teacher and the creative force behind Teach Love Autism. With 17 years of teaching experience, Jenn has dedicated most of her career to supporting students with autism and other special needs. Jenn shares tips on setting up consistent communication systems, collaborating with school staff...
Apr 07, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 319
In this episode, we explore effective strategies for teaching students with autism how to handle change. Whether it's transitions between activities, changes in routine, or unexpected events, managing change can be challenging for many students on the spectrum. Tune in for practical tips and techniques to help build flexibility, reduce anxiety, and support students in adapting to new situations with confidence. ---------------------------------------------- Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum...
Mar 31, 2025•7 min•Season 1Ep. 315
In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we’re joined by Leanne Page, BCBA, from Parenting with ABA, who shares her insights on how utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can benefit both parents and educators. Leanne explains the core principles of ACT and how it has helped her become a more compassionate and mindful parent. We dive into the importance of self-compassion and self-care for caregivers, whether parents or teachers, and discuss wh...
Mar 24, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 314
In this episode, I dive into 8 insightful questions submitted by teachers, clinicians, and parents through The Autism Helper app. Whether you're a professional or a parent looking for guidance, this episode covers a range of topics, from behavior, resource prep, to staff training. The Autism Helper App serves as a comprehensive hub, housing our online courses, PD network, and an interactive feed for ongoing support. Tune in for practical answers and expert advice designed to enhance your practic...
Mar 17, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 313
You are never truly an expert on something until you know how to teach it to others. Reinforcement is something that affects all areas of your classroom and your students' success. It affects your students' academic skills, level of independence, social skills, problem behaviors, and more. It's a fundamental component to your classroom. You absolutely need to ensure that you and your team are on the same page when it comes to something so important. Whether your team has misunderstandings of how...
Mar 10, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 312
In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we welcome expert Jessie Ginsburg to discuss dysregulation in individuals with autism. Jessie defines dysregulation and shares key signs to look for, as well as effective strategies for educators and caregivers to intervene and prevent these moments. We also delve into issues of safety, the confusion between dysregulation and problem behaviors, and how educators can foster greater understanding among colleagues. Join us for valuable insights aimed at...
Feb 24, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 311
In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, Taylor Rae Homesley explores Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and its connection to autism. Learn about the symptoms, treatment overlaps, and the varying intensity of ARFID. Taylor emphasizes the importance of education and awareness, guiding parents and educators on when to seek help and where to start. Join us for valuable insights that empower your understanding and support for those navigating these challenges! Taylor Rae is a Li...
Feb 17, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 310
In this episode, we chat with Chris Wenger, The Speech Dude, about neurodiversity-affirming goals and IEPs. Learn how to craft IEPs that truly reflect the strengths and needs of neurodiverse students, and discover how these goals can boost engagement and learning. Chris also shares practical advice for parents on advocating for positive outcomes in the IEP process. Join us for an empowering conversation that aims to create a more inclusive educational experience for all learners! More from Chris...
Feb 10, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 309
Join us on The Autism Helper Podcast as we explore inclusive education with Jen, a BCBA, and Meghan, a special education teacher. In this episode, we dive into reverse inclusion and its benefits, discussing strategies for creating inclusive environments, supporting social skill development, and the vital roles of educators and support staff. Discover how reverse inclusion can enhance learning experiences for all students! Jennifer Stracquadanio, BCBA, and Meghan Stenziano are co-founders and Exe...
Feb 03, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 308
In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, I interview Dr. Steven Hodges, a pediatric urology expert from Wake Forest University. We discuss the unique challenges of potty training for children with autism and developmental delays. Dr. Hodges shares insights on recognizing readiness signs, identifying constipation symptoms, and its impact on toilet training success. He also offers practical tips for teachers and clinicians to support potty training in the classroom. Join us for valuable advic...
Jan 27, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 307
Join us for an enlightening episode featuring Dr. El Brown, an expert in education and advocacy. In this episode, we tackle the crucial topic of collaboration between schools and families. We explore the reasons behind the disconnect that often arises, and Dr. Brown shares invaluable insights on how teachers can bridge that gap effectively. Discover practical strategies for parents to advocate for their children’s needs and learn how practitioners can work together to create a supportive environ...
Jan 20, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 306
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Emily Levy, founder of EBL Coaching, to dive into the topic of reading comprehension—a challenge faced by many students, especially those with autism. Dr. Levy discusses why reading comprehension is such a common struggle, how it impacts overall academic performance, and the role of missing prerequisite skills in this deficit. She also shares actionable strategies and multi-sensory techniques to help improve reading comprehension, offering practical tips for both ...
Dec 09, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 305
In this episode, we sit down with Kaylan Long, a behavior analyst and founder of Caffeinated Behavior Change, to explore the importance of building communication skills for students with autism. Kaylan shares her insights on how to be intentional about embedding communication opportunities throughout the school day, even during unconventional or overlooked times. She also discusses effective strategies for working with students who use high-tech AAC devices, offers solutions to common roadblocks...
Dec 02, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 304
In this episode, we chat with Tara Phillips, founder of Autism Little Learners, about the ins and outs of potty training for children with autism. Tara shares her expertise on recognizing signs that a child may be ready to start potty training and the key prerequisites or readiness skills to look for. She explains why potty training can be more challenging or take longer for children with autism, and offers valuable tips on how to prepare—what supplies are needed and how to set up for success. T...
Nov 18, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 303
In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we’re diving into the critical strategies for de-escalating a challenging situation with children on the autism spectrum. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or therapist, knowing how to manage moments of crisis is key to creating a safe and supportive environment. We’ll walk through the 6 essential dos and don’ts that can help you stay calm and effective during a meltdown or behavioral episode. From controlling your own emotions to understanding when ...
Nov 11, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 302
In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we dive into the world of gestalt language processing with Alex Zachos from Meaningful Speech. Alex shares valuable insights into understanding and supporting autistic children who communicate through gestalt language, a unique approach where language develops in larger "chunks" rather than individual words. Together, we explore practical strategies for recognizing and fostering language growth in these learners, with an emphasis on empowering educat...
Nov 04, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 301
Happy 300th Episode of The Autism Helper Podcast! I am so grateful for this community that supported us for 300 episodes. Today I reflect back on the process of starting a podcast, some of the biggest obstacles, and share my process for recording. I also share some of my most memorable guests and where I hope this podcast goes in the future. If you have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out to customerservice@theautismhelper.com! ---------------------------------------------- Inter...
Oct 28, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 300
Liat Sacks is a BCBA, voice behind the popular Behavior Bitches Podcast, and co-founder of CEUS by Study Notes ABA and the Study Notes ABA App. In this episode, we chat about the major differences between being a clinician versus being a parent on implementing behavioral strategies. We discuss how clinicians can make behavior plans more real-world friendly by looking at the whole context. More from Liat: Behavior Bitches Podcast: https://behaviorbitches.com/ Study Notes ABA: https://apps.apple.c...
Oct 14, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 299
Incorporating movement into reading instruction can be an essential missing piece for struggling learners. In this episode, Stefanie Hohl shares how kinesthetic learning strategies can help students master literacy skills more effectively. Stefanie is the founder of ABC See, Hear, Do Learn-to-Read method to make early reading fun and easy for kids and their parents. https://www.abcseeheardo.com/ Episode Transcription. ---------------------------------------------- Interested in our Year-Long Cur...
Oct 07, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 298
PECS is a widely utilized communication system for many students struggling with communication and is a staple in many special education classrooms. In this episode, hear from PECS founders Andy Bondy and Lori Frost. Andy and Lori share how they initially developed PECS and how PECS has evolved over the years. They also share the future of PECS and how it can be used in a digital and high tech way. https://pecsusa.com/store/ Episode Transcription. ---------------------------------------------- I...
Sep 30, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 297
